Women candidates should prioritise provision of clean public toilets this campaign season, says public health expert

Women candidates should prioritise provision of clean public toilets this campaign season, says public health expert

## Public Health Advocate Urges Focus on Sanitation as Key Election Issue

As India gears up for another round of elections, a prominent public health expert is calling for increased attention to a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of public well-being: access to clean and functional public toilets. The appeal comes amid concerns that sanitation, a fundamental component of public health infrastructure, continues to be marginalized in political discourse and policy platforms.

Dr. B. Ekbal, former Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University and a leading voice in public health advocacy, argues that the provision of clean and accessible public toilets should be a priority for all candidates, particularly women, seeking public office. He emphasizes that this is not merely a matter of convenience, but a fundamental human right directly linked to public health, hygiene, and dignity.

“The lack of adequate public sanitation facilities disproportionately affects women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities,” Dr. Ekbal stated. “It restricts their mobility, impacts their participation in public life, and contributes to a range of health issues, from urinary tract infections to more serious systemic illnesses.”

Despite significant strides in sanitation coverage under national programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Dr. Ekbal contends that the focus has largely been on household toilet construction, with inadequate attention paid to the maintenance and accessibility of public facilities. Many existing public toilets suffer from neglect, lack of proper cleaning, and inadequate water supply, rendering them unusable and posing a significant health hazard.

The absence of robust sanitation infrastructure also has broader economic implications. It can deter tourism, impact productivity, and contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, placing a strain on healthcare systems. Furthermore, the lack of access to clean toilets often forces individuals, particularly women, to resort to open defecation, perpetuating a cycle of poor sanitation and environmental degradation.

Dr. Ekbal’s call to action extends beyond mere construction of toilets. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes:

* **Increased budgetary allocation:** Dedicating sufficient resources to the construction, maintenance, and monitoring of public sanitation facilities.
* **Community involvement:** Engaging local communities in the planning, design, and management of public toilets to ensure their suitability and sustainability.
* **Stringent hygiene standards:** Implementing and enforcing strict hygiene protocols for the cleaning and maintenance of public toilets.
* **Accessibility considerations:** Ensuring that public toilets are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
* **Public awareness campaigns:** Raising awareness about the importance of sanitation and promoting responsible toilet usage.

The upcoming elections present a crucial opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their commitment to public health by prioritizing sanitation in their manifestos and policy platforms. By addressing this critical issue, elected officials can contribute to a healthier, more equitable, and more dignified society for all citizens. The time for lip service is over; concrete action is needed to ensure that access to clean and functional public toilets becomes a reality for every Indian. Ignoring this fundamental need is not just a policy oversight, but a failure to uphold the basic rights and dignity of a significant portion of the population.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.